Headlines
Dangote creates 30 entrepreneurs
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Dangote Cement Plc has announced the creation of 30 new entrepreneurs who are expected to help bolster food production and ginger the Nigerian economy.
KANO FOCUS reports that the new Chief Executives were graduated weekend following a three-month intensive entrepreneurial and skill acquisition training on poultry farming and business.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had advocated for Public Private Partnership during his speech at the recent Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Plant Director of the Dangote Cement Plc at Obajana in Kogi State, Mr. JV Gungune, said the company’s entrepreneurial scheme is a demonstration of the huge corporate support for government and Nigeria.
The Plant Director who was represented by Engr Wale Adisa, A Senior General Manager, said the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is one Nigerian who is passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility and philanthropy.
Mr. Gungune told the beneficiaries to leverage on the advantage conferred on them by the scheme, adding that it was a golden opportunity to be selected, trained and empowered.
He said the scheme has become necessary as it was not possible for the company to employ every one.
He said the development was as a result of the peaceful co-existence between the company and the communities, harping on the need for the youth to become skilled, and that the era of certificate was gone.
Representative of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Kogi State Engr Ezekiel Olufemi Olaitan said the government was happy by the series of economic, social activities, and opportunities created by the Dangote Cement Plc, urging the beneficiaries not to disappoint Nigerians.
In his welcome address, General Manager, Community Relations and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the scheme was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that, of the 30 participants, 18 were females and 12 were males.
He said the training was conducted by the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba, on behalf of Dangote Cement Plc.
According to him: “The Dangote Cement PLC, Obajana Plant Empowerment Scheme among many other is aimed at transforming the youth to be skill full, self-reliant and independent. This year 2023 Youth Empowerment Scheme was particularly designed at developing selected youth from each community to be not just farmers in poultry (layer: egg) producer’s but Entrepreneurs in Agricultural Business.
“The programme is equally aimed at eradicating some of the social vices and poverty that have eaten deep into our communities.”
Representative of the Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba Dr. Micheal Udoma said the Dangote Cement Plc had empowered the beneficiaries by starter packs, Bags of Grower feed, battery cages, hand gloves, a 60 litre basin, a hand bowl and point of lay birds.
Head of the Dangote Academy, Engr Wale Adedeji advised the new entrepreneurs not to rest on their oars, but keep reinvesting and profit, saying they can learn from the founder of the company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Speaking, the Bajana of Obajana, Dr Idowu Isenibi, expressed optimism that the programme will help in radically transforming the economy of the Obajana communities and Kogi State in general.
In the same vein, the Olu-Apata Dr. Frederick Balogun, thanked the company for the programme, and urged participants to keep investing in the business.
Representative of the graduands, Mr. Alolo Victor Eleojo said they have registered a Cooperative Society to help buoy their financial standing.
“As new CEOs, we have formed a cooperative and do the necessary registrations,” he added.
He promised not to disappoint the Dangote Group and Nigerians as a whole.
Earlier in the cause of the programme starter packs comprising of medications, vitamins, cages, feeds, 50 layers and poultry farms equipment were given to each of the 30 graduands.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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